COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Human Services Agency

DATE:

December 4, 2003

BOARD MEETING DATE:

December 16, 2003

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Maureen D. Borland, Director, Human Services Agency

Glen H. Brooks, Jr., Director, Central Region

SUBJECT:

Agreement with BFI Waste Systems of North America

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution authorizing an Agreement with BFI Waste Systems of North America (BFI) in which the Contractor will reimburse the County an estimated $234,000 in the first year for participants of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) providing recycling services and for administrative costs. An increase in reimbursement is anticipated for years two and three of the Agreement as the rate for participant services increases. The term of this Agreement is March 1, 2003 through February 28, 2006.

Background

A three year Agreement with BFI was approved by the Board of Supervisors on June 20, 2000, for the purpose of VRS participants enrolling in a Supported Employment Program that would allow participants to work at BFI's recycling center. In this Agreement BFI agreed to reimburse VRS for wages paid to the participants and for administrative costs.

Unfortunately, negotiating new rates for client wages with BFI, determining overhead costs and administrative costs surpassed the time frame for submitting a timely amendment so a new Agreement had to be written. The new Agreement started March 1, 2003 so there would be no break in services to BFI.

Discussion

This Agreement will continue VRS's Supported Employment Program. The Supported Employment Program gives VRS participants work experience, an income and also benefits BFI as they receive services for a fair price. This Agreement has been delayed due to ongoing negotiations and changes recommended by both County Counsel and the Contractor's legal counsel.

Vision Alignment

The Agreement with BFI keeps the commitments of both: Providing equal access to educational opportunity and creating opportunities for every household to participate in our prosperity and goals number 4 and 17: Residents have many educational and training opportunities beyond high school and All households experience real gains in income. The Agreement with BFI contributes to these goals and commitments by providing VRS participants with job training, a chance to earn income while they train and by becoming self-sufficient.

Fiscal Impact

This is a revenue based Agreement. It is anticipated that BFI will reimburse the County $234,000 in the first year of the Agreement for wages and administrative costs and that there will be an increase in reimbursement for the second and third years of the Agreement as rates increase. There is no cost to the County for this Agreement and so there is no Net County Cost.